A research team, led by Cécile Sarabian from Kyoto University, has explored disease avoidance strategies across various animal species, focusing on how animals, like humans, may utilize disgust as a protective measure against diseases. The study identified over 30 species exhibiting such behaviors in the wild and suggested seven additional species for future research as potential models. The team found that disgust behaviors vary significantly based on the animal’s social systems and ecological niches; solitary species are less adept at recognizing disease threats compared to social species, which may tolerate sick members for the sake of communal immunity. Notable examples include animals like the common octopus and the invasive red-eared slider, relevant to Japan’s ecosystems. The findings hold significant implications for understanding human health, particularly in contexts like the COVID-19 pandemic where social distancing actions have proven effective in limiting transmission. The researchers advocate for creating a comprehensive database of animal disease-avoidance behaviors to inform conservation efforts and wildlife management strategies. This study emphasizes the critical role of disgust in animal behavior and its potential applications in addressing global health challenges. Reference: “Disgust in animals and the application of disease avoidance to wildlife management and conservation,” Journal of Animal Ecology, March 2023.
